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Honda recently redesigned its small SUV for 2023. How does the 2022 Honda CR-V’s final trim compare to the 2023 Honda CR-V’s final trim? Time for 2023 Honda CR-V EX-L vs. 2022 Honda CR-V Touring.

The 2023 Honda CR-V EX-L is the CR-V’s new final trim level

A white 2023 Honda CR-V small SUV is driving on the road.
The 2023 Honda CR-V | Honda

Honda introduced plenty of new updates and upgrades to the CR-V nameplate for 2023. The latest CR-V is the most expensive model yet, but it provides plenty of value for the money. It comes in two different trim levels: the EX and the EX-L. Car and Driver gave the new 2023 Honda CR-V a near-perfect overall score.

The 2023 Honda CR-V EX starts at $31,110. The EX-L starts at $33,760. Honda’s new final trim level small SUV comes standard with a leather-trimmed interior, a 9.0-inch touchscreen, and a wireless phone charger. It also comes with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, smart entry with walk-away auto lock, and adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow. The CR-V EX-L features parking sensors, traffic sign recognition, and a road departure mitigation system.

The 2023 Honda CR-V EX-L comes with great standard features for an affordable price. How does it compare to the 2022 Honda CR-V’s Touring trim?

The 2022 Honda CR-V Touring may be the last CR-V Touring

The Honda CR-V dumped the Touring trim for the 2023 model year. The 2022 Honda CR-V Touring may be the last CR-V Touring model that Honda ever produces now that the small SUV is down to only two trim levels.

The 2022 Honda CR-V Touring had a starting price of $36,600. It comes standard with a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, adaptive cruise control, and rain sensing wipers. The CR-V Touring includes heated side mirrors, a universal garage door opener, and a hands-free liftgate. It comes with heated front seats, but leather seats are optional.

Ultimately, the 2022 Honda CR-V Touring has a great value proposition, but there are better final trim level small SUVs in its vehicle segment. The 2022 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Signature is a better final trim level small SUV for the money because of its luxurious standard features and turbocharged engine.

Honda’s former final trim level may have offered some great features, but clearly Honda didn’t think it was essential to the nameplate’s success. Is the new EX-L the better value?

2023 Honda CR-V EX-L vs. 2022 Honda CR-V Touring

A gray 2023 Honda CR-V small SUV is driving on the road.
The 2023 Honda CR-V | Honda

The 2023 Honda CR-V EX-L and 2022 CR-V Touring use the same 1.5-liter four cylinder engine to make 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. Both models get 28 miles per gallon in the city and 34 miles per gallon on the highway.

The 2023 CR-V EX-L costs $2,840 less than the 2022 Honda CR-V Touring. Despite being more affordable, the two small SUVs have very similar standard features. Honda’s new final trim level SUV provides more value for the money, hence why Honda axed the Touring trim for the CR-V.

Old may be gold, but in this case, the newer model takes the trophy. Has Honda finally produced a small SUV that can dehtrone the popular Toyota RAV4?